From the tender age of six, Sarfaraz Khan harbored only one ambition, which was to represent his country at the international level and wanted his father to witness that. This long-cherished aspiration materialized for the Mumbai native on February 15, two decades later, as he received his Test cap before the third match against England in Rajkot, presented by the esteemed former captain Anil Kumble, while his father, Naushad, observed with tears in his eyes.
Sarfaraz lives up to expectations with fiery fifty on debut
True to expectations, Sarfaraz validated his selection with a significant half-century, a feat that might have led to an even more substantial score had it not been for a run-out at the non-striker's end due to a misunderstanding with Ravindra Jadeja, who remained not out with a century.
Nonetheless, at 26, Sarfaraz was too overjoyed to harbor any grievances.
I was six-years-old when my dad started my cricket training: Sarfaraz Khan
"Coming to the ground for the first time and getting the cap in front of my father. I was six-years-old when he started my cricket (training). It was my dream to play for the Indian team in front of him," Sarfaraz told the media after the end of Day 1's play.
Sarfaraz Khan steals thunder on Day 1
Sarfaraz, adorned with India's Test cap number 311, made a strong impression by scoring a swift 62 on day 1. On Thursday, Naushad was deeply moved. Initially, he hadn't intended to travel to Rajkot to see his son play but arrived in the city just a day before the match. The occasion was marked by tears, embraces, and happiness among the Khan family, with Sarfaraz's wife standing by his father's side.
"I was padded up for almost four hours (in the dressing room). I kept thinking that I have kept so much patience in life and there is no harm in keeping some more.
"After I went in, I was nervous for the first few balls but I have practiced and worked so hard that everything went well," Sarfaraz said detailing his Test experience.
Sarfaraz expressed that his personal scores and achievements were secondary to the opportunity to play for India, especially with his father in attendance to witness it.
It was my father's dream to play for India: Sarfaraz
"It was my father's dream to play for India but unfortunately it couldn't happen due to some reasons, there wasn't much support from home then. He worked very hard on me and is now doing the same with my brother. It was the proudest moment of my life," he said.
"Runs and performances were not on my mind as much as I was happy playing for India in front of my father," he added.
"He was not ready to come (to Rajkot) but some people insisted that he goes. Obviously he had to come over since he worked so hard only for this day.” "He was very emotional as I took the cap in front of him and so was my wife. I felt as if some pressure was off my shoulders given the hard work he had put in on me and I did not waste it," Sarfaraz added.
Skipper Rohit Sharma's resilient innings of 131 runs from 196 deliveries, coupled with a dazzling century from all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja (110* off 212 balls) along with Sarfaraz's lightning fifty propelled Team India to a commanding total of 326/5 at the close of play on Day 1 of the third Test against England.
Sarfaraz scored a blistering 62 runs off 66 balls before being run out, after taking England bowlers to the cleaners. He also struck the joint-second fastest fifty on debut for India in Tests to be placed alongside Hardik Pandya after bringing his half-century in mere 48 balls.
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